Veteran Nollywood star Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has revealed the frightening medical ordeal that pushed her into emergency surgery, calling on Nigerians to take their health more seriously in the face of rising stress-related illnesses.

In a candid interview with Punch, Omotola explained that although some might not consider her surgery “life-threatening,” it was the most severe health challenge she had ever encountered. According to her, months of intense workload—moving between continents, editing two movies Mother’s Love and RR, and sleeping barely two hours a day—finally caused her body to crash.

The actress, popularly known as Omo Sexy, said she was rushed to the emergency room multiple times before doctors confirmed she needed immediate surgery. That moment, she admitted, left her terrified.

“I had been working non-stop… eventually, I was rushed to the hospital after several visits and told I needed immediate surgery. It was shocking and terrifying. My husband wasn’t around, and my kids were scared,” she recalled.

Omotola said she later woke up to a noticeable scar on her stomach. Her doctors explained that her gallbladder was too enlarged to be removed through keyhole surgery, forcing them to opt for a more invasive procedure.

For her, sharing the experience was important—not for sympathy, but for awareness.

“If you ever feel sharp pains in your chest or back, get a CT scan or MRI immediately. Don’t wait like I did,” she advised.

Opinion: Omotola’s Story Is a Wake-Up Call for a Society Running on Empty

Omotola’s revelation is more than just a celebrity health update—it is a mirror to a generation pushing itself to breaking point.

Many Nigerians, like the actress, are caught in cycles of nonstop work, survival pressure, and constant hustle. In a society where people boast about not sleeping, juggle multiple jobs, or ignore symptoms because “there’s no time,” Omotola’s experience rings loud and clear: the body always collects what it’s owed.

Her story also exposes a painful truth—most people wait until a crisis before seeking medical attention. Whether due to financial constraints, fear, or simply dismissing symptoms, many ignore the early signs until the situation becomes dangerous.

Omotola’s courage in sharing her scars—physical and emotional—should spark a necessary cultural shift. Health should not be an afterthought. Rest should not be considered a luxury. And getting medical tests should not be reserved for emergencies.

If one of Nollywood’s biggest stars, with access to top medical care, could come close to losing her life due to stress and delayed testing, then the average Nigerian is walking an even thinner line.

Her message is simple but powerful: slow down, listen to your body, and prioritise your life over your workload.

In a fast-paced world where everyone is racing, Omotola’s experience reminds us that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is stop and take care of yourself.